News24 | Bok women’s coach Swys deploys Nuke Squad for World Cup knockouts against Black Ferns

Springbok women's coach Swys de Bruin.

• Springbok coach Swys de Bruin has opted for a 7-1 bench split in his matchday 23 to take on the Black Ferns in the Women’s Rugby World Cup quarter-final in Exeter on Saturday.
• Nolusindiso Booi returns as captain as the starting lock after being rested during last Sunday’s match against France.
• The quarter-final against six-time champions and current holders New Zealand is the biggest game in the history of South African women’s rugby and De Bruin’s message to his charges is clear: “Leave nothing on the field.”
• For more Springbok news, please go to News24 Sport’s dedicated section.

Springbok coach Swys de Bruin has taken a leaf out of the old Rassie Erasmus playbook in opting for a 7-1 bench split in his matchday 23 to take on the Black Ferns in the Rugby World Cup quarter-final on Saturday.

De Bruin named his regular captain Nolusindiso Booi at lock, in one of 10 changes to the starting team that lined up against France last Sunday.

Booi, Lindelwa Gwala (hooker), Danelle Lochner (lock), Sizophila Solontsi (flanker), Libbie Janse van Rensburg (flyhalf), Zintle Mpupha (centre) and Ayanda Malinga (wing) were all rested against France, and were last in action against Italy two weekends ago.

In all, 13 members of the starting line0up and six replacements were involved in the York victory over Italy, which secured the Boks a maiden World Cup quarter-final berth.

READ | ‘It’s anyone’s game’: Bok flank Solontsi ready to roll the World Cup knockout dice against NZ

In the latest iteration of a South African Nuke Squad, which made its notorious appearance under Erasmus in the Springboks’ record 35-7 win against the All Blacks at Twickenham in 2023, De Bruin opted to name seven forwards on the bench, with Eloise Webb the only backline cover for the biggest match yet in the history of Springbok Women’s rugby.

Locks Vainah Ubisi and Anathi Qolo have both been included on the bench, along with loose forwards Catha Jacobs and Lerato Makua, all of whom started against France.

The front row of Yonela Nxgingola, Luchell Hanekom and Nombuyekezo Mdliki round off the bomb squad.

“We decided on the 7-1 split because of the profile of our team,” said De Bruin.

“We are a team that like to dominate upfront and playing two fresh packs - in each half - against the Black Ferns is a tactical decision. We rested all those players against France to be ready for this Test and now it is time for them to take on New Zealand with fresh legs and eager minds.

“You must realise, our squad was not used to this intensity and quality of opposition for a long time, so we had to plan their workload properly. I am happy to say it worked out exactly as planned and we are ready to go.”

The Bok coach said they are aware of the threats from New Zealand.

“They have won the World Cup six times already; we did not even enter the qualification play-offs in 2017 and lost all our matches in 2022, that is how far behind we are against them.

“Their players’ passing ability and accuracy are amazing, and one can see they have played this game from a young age.

“That is not the case with us, but that said, we have improved so much, and few teams will beat our heart and guts.”

De Bruin had a simple message for his team: “Leave nothing on the field. We will carry you off if you are too tired to walk at the end of it. This is the biggest game of your life, go out and enjoy it.”

Kick-off is at 14:00 (SA time) on Saturday.